Notre Dame-fairfield's Yamani McCollough (1) is defended by Bethel's Camryn Quinn (24) in the girls basketball game between Notre Dame-Fairfield and Bethel high schools, Thursday night, January 9, 2020, at Bethel High School, Bethel, Conn.
H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media
Asya Brandon, Hamden
Brandon threw the Dragons on her back in the SCC tournament, leading them to back-to-back championships. Now, the point guard will be hoping to guide the team through the Class LL field. Brandon can handle the ball and distribute but has been lighting up the scoreboard, this season. She can beat opponents off the dribble and get to the hoop or she can knock down outside shots.
Azaiyah Felder, Conard
Looking for a player who can singe-handedly get her team to Mohegan Sun? Look no further than Felder. Felder has been simply electric all season en route to setting the Conard all-time career scoring record and guiding the Chieftains to the CCC semifinals. Felder is an aggressive defender but really shines on offense. She can hit shots from beyond the arc and take almost anyone off of the dribble, getting to the basket for layups.
Caitlyn Hunt, Sheehan
In a year marked by great guard play, Hunt has dominated in the paint, this season. The 5-foot-11 junior will be a handful for any team in Class MM to deal with inside on both ends of the floor. Defensively, she keeps everyone away from the rim and controls any rebound in her vicinity. On the offensive side, she has a variety of post moves and an unexpected quickness for a low-post player, allowing her to finish around the rim.
Yamani McCollough, Notre Dame-Fairfield
Somehow McCollough was not named to the SWC first team. Despite missing three games this season, that oversight seems egregious. McCollough can take over a game with her scoring when necessary, with deep shooting range and lightning quickness dribbling and getting to the basket. She is also just as comfortable distributing the ball to the Lancers plethora of other scoring options. Defensively she has quick hands, fast feet and big hops that allow her to jump into any passing lane.
Makayla Poirier-Vaughters, NFA
Few players have had as big of an impact this year as Poirier-Vaughters. The 6-foot center returned after opting not to play as a junior and wound up as the ECC Tournament MVP. Though she often draws double teams in the post, she has been NFA’s leading scorer and top rebounder. She can play with her back to the hoop or facing the basket, scoring in a variety of ways. Defensively, she has shown improvement all season after missing a year and will be tough to get through for an Class LL opponent.
